With an increasing number of career opportunities available for post-graduate degrees, more and more students are considering the value of obtaining a second bachelors or masters degree. Whether you are seeking to expand your knowledge base, boost your career prospects, or just explore a new area of study, earning a second degree can open up a range of new career opportunities. In this blog post, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of both second bachelor’s and master’s degrees, to help you decide which path is best for you. We will look at the time and financial commitment involved, the potential benefits, and the advantages and disadvantages of each route. With this information, you can make an informed decision on whether a second degree is right for you.
What is a master’s degree?
After receiving a bachelor’s degree, you can earn an advanced graduate degree called a master’s. Gaining mastery-level knowledge in a particular field of study through the completion of a master’s degree is evidence of this. The practical applications of knowledge are frequently emphasized in master’s degree curricula, which also include advanced coursework. A master’s degree can boost your earning potential and open up new career development opportunities.
What is a second bachelor’s degree?
Following the completion of your first bachelor’s degree, you can earn a second bachelor’s degree. Some people who already hold a bachelor’s degree might decide to go back to school to get another Compared to the first degree you earn, a second bachelor’s degree typically requires you to study a different field of study. This frequently happens when you want to pursue a different career path. If you want to add another degree to your first bachelor’s degree, you might decide to pursue a second bachelor’s degree. For instance, after earning a bachelor’s degree in communication studies, you might decide to pursue a bachelor’s degree in journalism as well.
Second bachelor’s degree vs. master’s degree
Depending on your unique situation, career goals, and field of employment, the differences between a second bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree may change. However, there are some commonalities to take into account as you make your choice. Here are some of their primary distinctions:
Coursework
Masters degrees have more specialized coursework. When pursuing a bachelor’s degree, you select a field of study, but you frequently must take electives, which are typically unrelated to your major. When pursuing a master’s degree, you typically are not required to take elective courses and can instead concentrate on enrolling in courses that are relevant to your area of study.
Career growth opportunities
Depending on the degree you earn, your opportunities for professional growth may vary. Typically, master’s degrees provide you with more employment options to advance in your career. While some job roles only call for bachelor’s degrees, others—particularly those with greater managerial and leadership responsibilities—need at least a master’s degree.
Career versatility
A second bachelor’s degree could increase your career opportunities outside of your current industry, while a master’s degree can help you advance in your current field of work. In the end, earning a second bachelor’s degree can help you gain recognition in two different fields.
How to decide between a second bachelor’s degree or master’s degree
It takes time, research, and careful thought to choose between earning a master’s degree or a second bachelor’s degree. Although there isn’t a single best way to decide between the two, there are some things that can help you come to a confident conclusion. You can choose between these degree paths by following these four steps:
1. Determine why you want the degree
Identify the reason why you want another degree. Depending on your career interests and abilities, your reasoning might change. Think about how earning one of these degrees can help you achieve your professional objectives. For instance, a master’s degree is better for career advancement because it shows that you have increased your knowledge of your particular field. A second bachelor’s degree, though, might enable you to advance to a completely different department or field.
2. Identify your career goals
Consider your career objectives after determining why you want a second degree. For instance, you might want to advance in your current industry or pursue employment in a different field. You can select the degree that will be most helpful for your future endeavors by being aware of your career goals.
3. Review the job requirements
Read the requirements for the jobs that interest you. You may need to choose between the two depending on whether your potential employer prefers a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree in particular because some of them may require one or the other. Think about the level of education that most employers require for this kind of position, and do some research to confirm this.
Tips for choosing between a second bachelor’s or master’s degree
There is a lot of research and thought that goes into deciding between a master’s degree and a second bachelor’s degree. You can use the following advice to choose which degree to pursue:
Review job outlook data
Consider the job outlook data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) when deciding between a master’s degree and a second bachelor’s degree. This information can give you some understanding of potential career paths in a particular field. For instance, you might decide to pursue a master’s degree in your field rather than switching fields with a second bachelor’s degree if you discover that the BLS anticipates employment growth for your career.
Consider the time commitment and your schedule
Consider how much time you can dedicate to returning to school in light of your work and family commitments. Although master’s degrees typically have a more demanding curriculum, they are frequently earned more quickly.
Determine your financial situation
Consider your personal finances before you decide on a degree. Remember that the price of either degree varies depending on the particular program, the institution, the location, and whether you can take in-person or online courses. A master’s degree typically costs more money than a second bachelor’s degree. It’s also crucial to consider any financial aid or scholarships you might be eligible for. Conduct online research to help you identify your options.
Research schools
If you’re also thinking about a few different schools, look into the degree programs offered by each. Remember that some institutions only provide bachelor’s or master’s degrees in certain fields.
Identify your transferrable credits
Find out which degree credits you can apply to a master’s or second bachelor’s degree. You might find it simpler to transfer most or all of your credits if you decide to pursue a master’s degree in the same field. Consider your options carefully before transferring credits between two utterly unrelated bachelor degrees because the results could be conflicting.
Do you really need a second degree? | Getting a second Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree
FAQ
Is it better to get a masters or a second bachelor’s?
A second bachelor’s degree could give you more opportunities in a new industry if you’re interested in changing your career or making a significant shift. A master’s degree might give you more opportunities if you want to stay in your current field and get a promotion or qualify for more positions.
Is it worth having 2 bachelor degrees?
No matter what your professional objectives are, earning a second bachelor’s degree may open up new career opportunities for you or allow you to advance in your current field. Second degrees can increase your knowledge base and give you new skills. A second bachelor’s might qualify you for promotions or advancement.
How many years is a 2nd bachelor’s degree?
The time it takes to obtain a second bachelor’s degree can range from two to four years of full-time study. However, transfer credits from your first bachelor’s degree may allow you to skip general education courses.
Is two degrees better than a masters?
A masters degree is far superior. The research conducted at the graduate level is superior to that conducted at the undergraduate level. A master’s degree is much more highly regarded by employers than two bachelor’s degrees are.
